Free Armored by S. W. Frank

cherry lips shaped like a heart inherited from his mother. Giuseppe didn’t have a chance if the precocious ragazzo didn’t step aside.
    “Me,” Carlo mimicked and his father scoffed. Carlo played dirty; he learned manipulation from Allie.
    A laugh emanated from the pianist. It was music. “It’s settled, my Carlo wins. Come love, you are my escort today.” She took the child’s hand and they were off, leaving Giuseppe there with a sore loser face.
    Giuseppe trailed the couple, purposely hanging back to admire Nicole’s curvaceous silhouette. He loosened his tie, perhaps he was over dressed for the museum after all. He had a pang of guilt, but then he told himself.
    I loved you very much donna, but I must move on for our son, do not be angry por favore; you will always be in my heart. 
    Nicole glanced over her shoulder, and then stopped to wait for Giuseppe. “Are you okay?”
    He nodded. “I am okay Nicole, Grazie for accompanying us.”
    She extended her hand toward Giuseppe. “You’re welcome, now come on. Take my hand, today is fun day for my sharply dressed gentlemen.” Her wise eyes read his solemn thoughts. “Sadness is not allowed. Carlo isn’t the only one who needs a reprieve, got it?”
    “Sí.” His cobalt irises flashed gratitude. “Sí, donna, got it.”
    The drive consisted of a stop at a creamery which sold the tastiest sorbet. Giuseppe thought of his mama. She would take him here for these desserts often…she always gave him treats. It was a bitter-sweet feeling to share the experience with his son and guest. He was tempted to call his mama and apologize for what he said, but then resolute. His mama must choose, Yosef or family.
    The y had to eat on the way or miss the introduction. Nicole’s lips held the plastic spoon with the orange milky dessert as he explained they were going to a marionette museum where the pupari was well renowned.
    “This outing was scheduled months ago. Carlo’s mama had it in her calendar…I am fulfilling her wish donna…but…mi scusi,” Giuseppe said and then reclined his head to the seat, licking away the residual sorbet clinging to his pink mouth. He squinted under the pain as he shut out the sudden pressure stomping on his skull.
    Nicole rubbed his thigh. “Headache?”
    He nodded.
    She took the container from his hand, placed hers as well in the car’s receptacle to massage his forehead. Her fingers were soft as they rotated on his skin. His face relaxed and the masculine lips puckered as he sighed.
    “Feels good?” she asked.
    “Ummm…bene. Doctors say sex is good for headaches.”
    Nicole laughed softly and continued to massage his temple, smiling at Carlo who ate quietly beside his irritable dad. If there are blessings in the world, they are children.
    Giuseppe stayed silent to let her work. Sometimes, the headaches came when he was alone with his son. He’d lay the boy across his chest until the pain subsided. Quiet and sleep were often the best pain reliever. But Nicole’s fingers had a therapeutic effect; he took hold of her wrist and pressed his mouth appreciatively to her palm. She was unaware he suffered migraines and a bullet to the skull and stress were to blame. Her compassion was endearing.
    He leaned forward to kiss her. H e slowly detached from the soft lips, insanity caused him to confide a father’s fear aloud. “My son needs a mama. I am unable to do this alone.”
    “You are a wonderful father. You are doing an excellent job. As long as he’s loved, that’s the most important thing.”
    “He has asked for his mama many times.”
    “She is in heaven but her spirit is around him every day, which is true.”
    Giuseppe nodded. “You are lovely with Carlo.”
    “But I am not his mother and you can’t replace her if that’s what you’re trying to do.”
    “I am not.”
    “Good.” She eyed Carlo. “Carlo is well mannered.”
    “Sí, he is.”
    Nicole chuckled. “Look how he places the napkin on his lap and